News

7/29/2014

ASHTABULA — Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel is leading the charge
to put the state’s checkbook online.

Mandel will need support from taxpayers to see this happen,
he said during a stop at the Star Beacon Monday afternoon.

“People of Ohio have the right to know where tax dollars are
spent,” he said. “Sunlight is a disinfectant to waste.”

In May, Mandel made the news with a proposal that would
empower him to create an online database that shows how the state spends every
penny, allowing the public to hold public officials accountable.

The bill (House Bill 175), called “Open Ohio,” was
introduced by Mandel’s fellow Republican, Rep. Mike Dovilla of Berea, and
backed by a handful of legislators from both parties, including Rep. John
Patterson, D-Jefferson.

Ohioans could track every cent the state government spends,
from travel expenses to office supplies, using an easily searchable format.

Ultimately, Mandel would like to expand the checkbook to
allow people to search the spending of their school boards, city council and
township trustees. Ohioans could see which vendors get the most money and how
spending compares from one group to another, encouraging thrifty and honest
government.